Liverpool end Jonathan Ikone talks due to player’s demands
According to Anfield Central (h/t Daily Star), Liverpool have decided to break off talks with LOSC Lille forward Jonathan Ikone owing to his exorbitant financial demands.
Ikone, who has been with Lille since 2018, having signed from Paris Saint-Germain, had a decent 2020/21 campaign when he played a hand in Les Dogues‘ shock Ligue 1 title triumph. The 23-year-old ended the season with a return of seven goals and seven assists from 48 games in all competitions.
This had seemingly put Ikone on the radars of Liverpool, with the Mirror reporting that the Reds had already launched an offer worth around £40m for the French forward.
However, it seems like any potential move to Anfield is now called off as Liverpool have decided to walk away from negotiations due to Ikone’s demands.
The report from Daily Star states that the 23-year-old Lille ace was holding out for a wage packet of £150,000 per week. In addition to that, Ikone is also said to be demanding a massive signing-on bonus.
Liverpool, on the other hand, were looking to offer him a salary worth around £90,000 per week, similar to what they had offered Diogo Jota last summer when he arrived from Wolves.
A move for Ikone would have been beneficial for Liverpool, considering that the 23-year-old is adept at playing out on the flanks or through the middle as a striker or a secondary striker. His availability would have boosted the options at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations coming up next year.
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But with the Reds deeming Ikone’s demands excessive, it seems like there will be no move made for the 23-year-old this summer. However, it is still important that Jurgen Klopp & co. secure a new attacking signing before the 2021/22 campaign kicks off.
